Cutting torch



April 14, 1931 G. c. QUELcH 1,800,569

CUTTTNG TORCH Filed Dec. l5, 1928 W Z6 jz Patented Apr. '14,

PATENT. OFFICE GEORGE C. QUELCH, 0F OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,

' TO UNION CARBIDE AND CARBON RESEARCH LABORATORIES, INC., OF NEW-YORK, V

l N Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK CUTTING TORCH Application filed December 15, 1928. Serial No. 326,313.

. My'invention refers to an improvement in Vthe class of torches for the cutting of ferrous metals. y

In' such torches, which are now in large and common use, a, pre-heating dame of high temperature is rst directed against the metal to be cut, and, when the combustible temperature of the metal is reached, a jet of pure oxygen under pressure is directed against the heated portion, (with acorresponding vcesg sation of the pre-heating flame).

Combustion of the metal, under the oxygen jet, then occurs, reducing themetal to magnetic oxide of iron, the pressure jet of oxygen forcing the oxide through and away from the narrow curf made in the metal as the cutting action proceeds along a given line. In torches of this ygeneral class, the device is usually provided with three supply pipes or conduits, leading to the terminal head embodying the tip, providing for the supply f of. high pressure oxygen for cutting, preheating oxygen,l and Va combustible gas for burning therewith for pre-heating.

In general practice, there are two main classes' or types of tips utilized; first, where the combustiblemixture of oxygen and fuel A gas, for pre-heating, is formed or combined within theltorch 'proper yor within its head;

second, where thecombustible mixture`isformed between balanced gases, or by proper ,relation of the conducting orifices, or by injector action within the torch tip itself, mountedinthe surrounding head.

There are also variations in' the terminal construction of the tip, which may be either plane across the delivery endwith all of the jet openings emerging on the same plane, or with the tip of the jet recessed, providing a forwardly extending tubular shell for protection .of the pre-heating flame The plainl end' -ps are ordinarily used vfor y fuel gases having a ln'ndling or igniting point below 600 C., such as hydrogen, igniting. with an igniting point of 580 C., or ,acety-y lenat480 C.

c The recessed tips are ordinarily usedfor fuel gases having a lndling or igniting point above 600 C., as in the case of hydrocarbon gases, which liquefy-within a container at or with torches of the class involved, it has been necessary, and the practice is common in the iindustry, to use a tip designated as a recessed The object of my present invention is to provide a cutting torch tip for the purpose of securing'a more stable pre-heating iame with a gaseous mixture of high kindling or ignite ing point, as above 600 C.

These objects are secured in my present construction by means of adjustable mechanism adapted to very accurately regulate the sup'- ply df the pre-heating oxygen and fuel gas, in exact desired proportions, by -means of a positively adjustable regulating ported shell in communication with the pre-heating oxygen supply, operable in relation to the gas supply ports, with a view to further thorough commingling intermixture.

Also by means of the annular mixing chambers, and terminal emission slots, to further thoroughly mix the combustion fuel, with preliminary pre-heating, before final emission.

These and other objects in connection with the complete tool, as assembled, are accomplished by the construction herein shown and described.

In the accompanying drawings showing one preferred embodiment of the invention:

Fig. 1 is a view in elevation of a completel l head of a cuttin torch;

Fig. 2 is an e arged vertical section therethrough, partly in elevation; Y

Fig. 3 is a detachedvertical sectionalv view Fig. 6 is a transverse section on thel line 'VI-VI of Fig. 2, through the highy pressure oxygenv supply conduit;

Fig. 7 .is` a similar 'view on thev line VII- VII of Fig. 2, through the low pressure oxygen supply conduit; l

Fig. 8 s a. similar view on the line il' the inner andouterparts 11-12, jet member 4, .v by mixing the low pressure oxygen from y ortv 6 with the pre-heating gas, as acetylene,

ydrocarbon, etc., delivered-through port or ports 7. y

Jet member a is generally similar to such members of standard torches in that it is provided with the central high pressure oxygen passage 8 communicating through a terminal plug 35, with a chamber 9 in'head A to which high pressure oxygen is delivered through port v J et member a extends downwardly by its lower delivery portion within the-surroundhaving interfitting tapered connection at the delivery end of the torch as shown, the ter'- mina'l 11 of the jet member fitting within the outer tapered terminal 12 of the shell and preferably terminating backwardly therefrom, leaving the receded emission space `13. Shell is enlarged at its inner portion 10a, providing a cylindrical head in substantially tight engagement' withinthe surrounding head A by'a tight tapered seat engagement thereagainst, as by the beveled shoulders 14.

A narrow annular space 10b intervenes between the head A and portion 10a for gas circulation, as hereinafter described.

The shell is tightly secured in place by nut 15 having surrounding engagement with the shell and againsta .tapered vsealing washer 16 and screw connection 17 withv the lower portion of head A. f l

Enlarged head portion 10a of the shell is annularly recessed as at `18, providing an inner wall havingv `a plurality of transverse ports 19 'of any suitable number, as eight, by which fuel gas communicates through an nular space 10b from the registering ports'7 to the interior annular cavity 20 between the inner wall of the shell and the main upper reduced stem 21 of jet member a.

` i3 y 'QSaid member as' shown is shouldered as at v y22, leaving an increased width of the annular annular yspace 23 between the jet member and Y the" shell downwardly below the larger annular'space 20. Immediately beyond the practically tight connection between the tapered members o is?. increased in diameter as at 24, fittin tightlywithin thecy'lindrical portion of shel .185410, *andthe jetmember is provided at such milled or otherwise formed longitudinally of 'the jet member, and are of the greatest'depth V deliver the thoroughly mixed fuel gas and ing outer casing or shell 10, both members4 vcirculation opening registering with the high space 20 with relation tothe subsequent lower location with the tapered delivery slots 25.

Such slots extend from a slight distance inwardly beyond the closing rim 24 through the outer portion of the jet member clear to its end, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. Theyare .o

between their inlet and outlet terminals, so that the fuel mixture will be retarded in passing therethrough, with ample opportunity for pre-heating within the terminal shell 12, at thezone of combustion.

Ports 25 may be of any suitable number, as six, arranged equidistantly around the delivery end of the jet member, and serve to oxygen outwardly through recessed cavity 13 of the tapered shell terminal'12.-

Immediately beyond the shouldered engagement 14 the head A is provided with an annular 'chamber 26l to which pre-heating oxygen is delivered by port 6. A mixing shell 27 is threaded by its upper end at 28 into the upper inner portion of head A, and is also threadedinto the inner upper portion of head 10a of shell 10, as at 29. The lower portion of shell 27 is reduced in external diameter, providing the extended tubular terminal 30, the outer and inner portions of which are smooth and unthreaded, as shown When the shell is inserted in position as 1n Fig. 2, the outer circumference of terminal 30 is spaced inwardly from the interior wall l of head 10a, leaving a comparatively shallow v annular space 31. The inner surface of terminal-30 is similarly-spaced outwardly beyond.

the reduced neck 21 oftip a,'leavinga similar shallow intervening annular cavity 32.

. Terminal 30 is provided with aplurality of transverse ports 33 of any suitable number,` as six, equally spaced, for pre-heating oxygen circulation, and the shell is provided. with two or more oppositelyspaced angular perforating ports 34, communicating between the annular chamber 26 and vsuch annular. 11o

space 32.'

Adjusting plug 35 is screwed into the upper portion of shell27, the plug having a central pressure oxygen perforation 8 of the main 115 inner stem, and is also provided with a transverse slot 36 for adjustment by a screw driver.

The plug acts as a limiting abutment which, by rotation, may be very accurately set to the desired position, to limit the relative position of the shell 27 on the upper threaded portion of stem 21 of member a, so that when said member is in operative position as in Fig. 2, the lower edge of terminal 30 will f be exactly adjusted with relation to the gas circulation ports 19, in themanner of a valve.

Thus by lengthening or shortening the combined central stem and its shell, the lower edge of terminal 30 willact as a valve for 130 abutment 35, as adjusted, the parts will be fxedly held in proper position, and may be very easily and accurately regulated for a greater or less supply of gas, by merely loosening .the plug 35 and making a further adjustment of the shellon the jet member, such adjustment being made by merely unscrewing the surrounding shell 1'0 and the jet member from the head, with ultimate replacement therein.

As thus constructed and assembled, the parts beingin proper operative relation, the operation is as follows.

Fuel gas being supplied through conduit 4 and ports 7 to annular chamber 18 will pass inwardly through ports 19, as controlled by the partly covering edge of terminal 30.

Pre-heating oxygen delivered through port 6 to annular 'chamber 26 will pass inwardly through shell 27 by ports 34 into inner annular space 32 and to the main mixing space 20.

A portion of oxygen however, will pass out,- wardly through ports 33 and become mixed with gas in annular space 31. Ultimately all ofthe pre-heating oxygen and fuel gas pass to the enlarged annular chamber 20, and lfrom thence downwardly through the reduced annular -passage 23, with intermediate retardation and increased pressure, due to the increased lower diameter of closing portion 24C of the jet member a. l

Thereafter the entire mixture enters the inner end portions of 'the several slots 25, rst expanding therein due to the increased cross-section of the several ports at'about their middle, with final emission through the slightly tapering terminal portions for combustion outwardly through and beyond the end cavity 13. i

The purpose of such cavity is' to somewhat reduce the velocity of the4 gaseous mixture iiowing through the several channels 25. with a slight retardation, while giving the iame sutlicient protection, greater stability, and an opportunity for mixture and combination in the form of a single emission jet. There is thereforeno tendency for the Haine to blow away. from the end of the tip when ai given quantity of gasesar'e passing through the preheating holes,in which, due to retardation of the current they receive a definite degree of pre-heating action rOmshell terminall2.' l'

By reason vof the accurate adjustment of the proportions and l amount of the mixture being delivered through the pre-heating jets due to the adjusting shel1 ,'the torch rendered somewhat independent of variationsin individual valve control through theseveral `main conduits. n l

It is well understood that 1t 1s necessary to burn a comparatively llarge volume of combustible gas mixture in a small area in order to raise the temperature of the metal locally to combustion point in the shortest possible time. By my invention, due to the accurate 7o control above described, I am able to very thoroughly mix the gas and oxygen, and secure the maximumflame temperature obtainable. *f

The metal having been thus perliminaril heated to the combustion point according to adopted best practice, the high pressure oxygen valve is then opened, admitting flow through conduit 2 to chamber 9, and then directly through the central opening 8 'to the usual reduced outlet terminal port 37, for cutting in the usual way.

By reason of the outer tapering formation of slots 25 from their middle maximum cross-section, these slots in 'eifect provide a lurality of holding reservoirs for the comustible mixture in the hottest ortion of the tip, tending toward a more intimate mix- 'ture of the fuel components just prior to combustion.

The restricted areas and openings of the 'gas passages above described permit of using higher pressures of fuel gas, while the construction as a whole eiects a very complete and thorough intimate mixture for the best results and even combustion.

It will be understood, of course, that the number and arran ement of the several ports and passages, or 0% the detail' construction of the burner as a whole, may be changed or' varied within the judgment of the designer 1. The combination with a head having a central oxygen supply and lateral oxygen and gas supplies respectively, of a centrally gen jet member, a ported casing 'communicating with the gas sup ly, and a .open o ported sleeve communicatin wit the lateral oxygen supply adjusts. ly mounted in the casing having a terminal extension adapted to control said gas sup 1y. f

2. .The combination wit a head having a central oxygen ysupply andlateral oxygen l and gas supplies respectively, of a centrally fis 'open oxygen jet member, a ported `casing having an outer annular groove communicating with the' gas supply, and a sleeve having threaded 4engagement with the easing prof vided withV a transverse port communicating -with the vlateral oxygen supply'and a tubular extension in opening and reducin relation to the as communicating orts of t 'e casing.

3. T el combination wit ahead having a.'

lar extension in opemng and reducing rela-3.

tion to the glas communicating ports of the casin and aving supplemental transverse circu ating ports.

v4c. In combination with a head having a central high pressure oxygen supply, a

eral pre-heating oxygen supply, and a lateral gas supply, of an outer casing mounted in the head having ports communicating with the gas supply, a centrally open jet member within the casing communicating with the high pressure oxygen supply, and a perforated sleeve between the casing and jet member having an adjusting plug engaging the end of the jet member.

5. In combination with a head having a central-high pressure oxygen spply, a lateral pre-heating oxygen supply, and a lateral gas su ply, of an outer casing mounted in the head lgavlng ports communicating with the gas supply, a centrally open jet member within the casing communicating with the high pressure oxygen supply, a transversely porte sleeve between the casing and jet member in threaded enga ement with both` and provided with4 a centra y open abutment engaging the end of the jet member. 'c

6. In .combination with a head having a central high pressure oxygen supply, a ateral pre-heating oxygen supply, and a lateral gas sup l of an outer casing mounted in the head) iiaving ports communicating with the gas supply, a centrally open jet member within the casing communicatin with the high pressure oxygen supply, an a controlling sleeve for the gas supply havin threaded engagement with the casing, hea and jet member, havin an inner abutment engaging the jet mem r and provided with a transverse port communicating with the lateral gas supply.

7 In combination with a head having a central high pressure oxygen supply, a lateral pre-heating oxygen supply, and a lateral gas supply, of an outer casing mounted in the head having ports communicating with the gas supply, a centrally open jet member within the casing communicating with the high pressure oxygen supply, and a controlling sleeve for the gas supply having threaded engagement with the casing, head and jet member, having an inner abutment in threaded engagement with the end of the sleeve bearing against the end' of the jet member and provided with a transverse port communicating with the lateral gas supply.

8. In combination with a centrally open burner tip and a casing therefor having gas inlet ports, an intervening ported sleeve in threaded engagement with the burner tipand casing respectively provided with a limiting abutment in threaded engagement with the sleeve for the rear end of the` burner tip.

9. In combination with a centrally open burner tip and a casing therefor having gas inlet ports, an intervening ported sleeve in threaded engagement with the burner tip and casing respectively having a portion ldcated adjacent the gas inlet ports of the casing and provided with an adjustable limit- .ing abutment in threaded engagement with the sleeve for the rear end of the burner tip.

10. In combination with a centrally open burner tip and a casing therefor having gas inlet ports, an intervening ported sleeve in threaded engagement with the burner tip and casing respectively having an annular terminal adapted lto project across the gas inlet -ports of the casing and provided with a perfo'rated plug threaded in its opposite end adapted to engage the rear end of the burner tip.

11. In combination with the centrally open burner tip of a cutting torch and a surrounding casing therefor annularly spaced from the tip and provided with a series of annular gas inlet ports, an internally and externally threaded sleeve engaging the end of the tip and casing respectively and provided with oxygen inlet ports and a terminal extension operable across the gas inlet ports of the casing, and a perforated limiting plug for the rear end of the burner tip threaded in the opposite end of the sleeve.

12. In combination with the centrally open burner tip of a cutting torch and a surrounding casing therefor annularly spaced from the tip and provided with a series of annular gas inlet ports, an internally and externally threaded sleeve engaging the end of the tip and casing respectively and provided with oxygen inlet ports and a terminal extension operable across the gas inlet ports of the casing and transverse circulation Vports backwardly from the end thereof, and a perforated limiting plug for the rear end of the burner tip threaded in the opposite end of the sleeve.

13. A11 adjustable controlling device for the gas supply to the burner tip of a cutting torch consisting of a tubular sleeve threaded externally and internally and provided with transverse circulation ports, a tubular ported shell extension at one end, and a centrally signature;

GEORGE C. QUELCH. 

